Every business is responsible for the safety of its workers and is bound by rules and regulations to adhere to industry standards. One such standard is visibility and safety, which are top priorities in industrial facilities, as employees use heavy machinery daily. Nonetheless, a well-lit place is also paramount for productivity and efficiency. There are many ways to maximise visibility and safety, and we’ll list the most important ones.
Table of Contents
Adhere to safety regulations
First, you need to adhere to safety regulations. Each industry is different, so stay informed about standards in your industry. Next, follow all regulatory requirements to ensure maximum safety and compliance. Laws and regulations exist to make workplaces safer for employees.
Train your staff
Every team member should get adequate training. While safety training is one of the industry requirements, it’s also your job as an employer to provide regular safety training sessions. Everyone should know the best practices and how to act in case of an emergency. Also, ensure everyone knows how to maintain visibility and safety in the workplace.
Put up safety signs
Every sign in your warehouse is a safety sign. Each one has a specific purpose, to direct, notify or guide. So, put up clear and visible signs across your facility. Some of them can be directional signs, warning signs, and emergency exit signs. All of them will guide individuals safely through the premises.
Use quality lighting
Quality lights are the foundation of a perfectly safe and efficient workplace. Especially in an industry setting, you need to invest in LED flood lights. These will illuminate even the darkest corners, especially if you install them in the right places. It’s all about having consistent and strong lights throughout the facility.
Increase sources of natural light
If possible, consider improving sources of natural light. You can make the most of natural light by installing skylights or additional windows. As a result, natural light will flood the workplace and improve visibility. It will also reduce the reliance on artificial light during sunny days.
Motion activated lights
Motion-activated lights are a great option for facilities. Some areas of your workplace, warehouse, or facility don’t get constant foot traffic. Such areas can use motion-activated lights, which will automatically turn on when needed. Perfect rooms for motion-activated lights are storage rooms or hallways. You’ll ensure the safety of everyone who passes while also conserving energy.
Schedule maintenance
Every industry facility should undergo maintenance checks even before something breaks down. This is also a safety measure, and it will reveal what needs urgent upkeep. Even when you invest in the best lighting systems, you’ll still need to schedule regular maintenance. You’ll replace weak light bulbs, change outdated fixtures, and improve efficiency by preventing possible problems.
Use high-visibility clothes
You can also wear high-visibility clothes such as safety vests or personal protective equipment. From safety vests with reflective elements to helmets to safety goggles, use everything to improve safety. If needed, remind people to wear their equipment, as they will sometimes forget.
Use cameras and mirrors
If you want to increase the general safety of your facility, install safety cameras. Especially if you have a warehouse with large storage or you use expensive equipment, cameras will come in handy. Another way to reduce blind spots is to use mirrors. Place them in key areas and remind people to look up before they turn into a different lane. If you use forklifts in your facility, mirrors will perfectly enhance visibility and safety.
Prevent clutter
Accidents happen in cluttered workplaces. If someone is not paying attention, they can trip, fall, or stumble over an obstacle. Instruct employees to keep the workplace tidy and organised to prevent accidents. An organised workplace is also the one where everyone can find their way, so prevent clutter with proper storage and organisation.
Develop emergency plan
Every workplace, no matter how big or small, should have an emergency plan. Most of the time, you won’t have to think about any emergencies, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, develop an easy-to-understand emergency plan and safety procedures. These can include emergency responses, evacuation plans, and other safety protocols.
While every facility is different, one thing is always the same – the importance of safety. Ensure everything we mentioned is put in place to create a safe and efficient workplace environment.
